(ANSA-AFP) - VIENNA, 15 NOV - Austria is planning "mass testing" for coronavirus to help a chart a way out of the second lockdown coming into force next week, Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said on Sunday. Referring to a controversial mass testing programme in neighbouring Slovakia, Kurz told public broadcaster ORF that "we have decided here in Austria... to take a similar step".

"We want to deploy mass tests at the end of the lockdown in order to enable a safe re-opening in schools and other areas," Kurz said, adding that in the first instance testing would be focused on groups such as teachers. He appeared to suggest the programme could then be widened to other groups in the population to make Christmas celebrations as safe as possible.

"We know it's something close to many people's hearts to be able to celebrate in a half decent way with at least a small number of their loved ones," Kurz said. He said that more details of the programme would be given next week. (ANSA-AFP).